Nearly twelve years ago a good friend of mine invited me to take a wintery evening walk around Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. When we arrived at the lake she suggested we run instead. I could feel myself shrinking in my own skin – I couldn’t run around an entire lake (which, by the way, is less than three miles)! I had always tried to stay in shape, but running wasn’t my jam… Running was intimidating and only for super athletes! I had recently given birth and was going through a divorce. Little did I know how life changing that run would be.

I ran when I could; always in cotton clothes and eventually with a little Timex watch – but it worked for me. When we moved to Sioux Falls in 2009 we joined the downtown YMCA and I met my tribe. This early morning crew took me in and encouraged me. In 2013 we trained for the Deadwood Half Marathon and it’s just been running, running, running (not in cotton) ever since.

I never would have this love for running without that friendly introduction and constant encouragement of others. Several months ago I created a Facebook page for Sioux Falls women runners so that we have a forum to share experiences, questions, pictures, tips and more in a space full of encouragement and free of judgment. We keep this group private so that women feel comfortable enough to share and ask questions knowing that their posts will not be broadcast to the internet.This is also a space to find a running partner. You can share your pace and distance you need to run and usually you’ll find someone who is more than happy to share the miles with you! We have also put together a few group runs where all paces are welcome (including “sexy pace”)!

This is my little way of giving back all that has been shared with me. My years of running have been the best years of my life (and I didn’t think anything could top those college years)!

A simple request to join is all that is needed to be included in this amazing group of sole sisters!

[Search “Sioux Falls Women Run” on Facebook and submit a request to become a group member.]